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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What stimulates Severo?

2. How does Amara walk now?

3. What does Josefa realize about God?

4. What does Josefa teach Amara to do?

5. What does Josefa ask to do with Amara?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who rescues Palinor and how did they do it?

2. What does Severo suggest to Beneditx?

3. What does Palinor say about men who break the law?

4. What is the creature, the nervados, tracked doing when they see it and what happens in the first few minutes?

5. Why don't Margalida and Josefa get along?

6. How does the author ask the reader to think about the island? What would those thoughts reveal?

7. What happened to Amara that put her into her present condition when brought back to the Abbey?

8. What did Joffre ask Palinor and what was his reply?

9. What do Severo and Beneditx debate about and what are each of their views?

10. How is Amara doing now and what does she gain by it?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When the prefect immediately throws Palinor in jail for not having a religion, it is clear that the island has no tolerance for dissenters, despite their station in life. Part of that intolerance is driven by fear, as the Christians on this island believe that religion keeps lawlessness at bay. Ironically, Palinor, a model of politeness and respect, has broken no moral code nor harmed anyone on Grandinsula, when he is thrown into jail.

1. Explain the irony in Palinor's situation. Use examples from the book to support your answer.

2. Do you think that intolerance is a problem in the world today? Why or why not?

3. Do you think that religion keeps people from committing crimes? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

The theme of whether coincidences or luck have a place in a world supposedly ruled by God comes into play in Chapter 1.

1. What do you think the statement above means? Use examples from the book to support your answer.

2. There are some belief systems which state there are no coincidences. Discuss what you think about this belief.

3. Do you think the theme of whether coincidences or luck have a place in a world is adequately supported in the first chapter? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Amara's experience in the chapel affirms her utter lack of knowledge of God and gives Sor Agnete a new outlook on how non-Christians might see the world.

1. Why do you think Amara's experience in the chapel demonstrates there is no innate knowledge of God?

2. Do you think Sor Agnete will be able to translate what she realizes into wisdom? Why or why not?

3. Why do you think Amara would be frightened by the crucifix?

(see the answer keys)

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